Monday, 29 September 2014

The
London Spiritual Direction Network
(LSDN)

The London Spirituality Centre seeks a Co-Ordinator for the
LSDN to develop its role of encouraging and supporting spiritual
directors in their ministry.

The Network Co-Ordinator will complete the
establishment of an ethical framework; maintain and provide information to
members; and work with the Centre Director and other stakeholders in developing
the Network.

Supervision Groups
CORRECTION:A revision to the times noted in the last
newsletterSupervision Groups - For those working in spiritual
direction, supervision offers professional support, enrichment and
development. There are still a few places remaining:Monday evenings (led by
Julie Foster),Tuesday mornings (led by Jim Bateman)Tuesday mornings
(led by Mark Godson)Please contact Catherine Chapman if you're interested to know more. Groups
meet 9 times per year for 2 hours. Sessions cost £25.

The
first in this year's Developing Direction series is this Friday, 3
October

Free
events in October and
November

Meet the Author: Dave
Tomlinson Author of How to be a Bad
ChristianVicar of St Luke's Church Holloway,
"writer, speaker, passionate seeker after truth and wisdom, and avid explorer of
theology, spirituality and life in general."Monday 3 November 6.30 -
8.30pmFree

Spiritual Practices in World Faiths presents:Cole Moreton - Wild
SpiritAuthor of Is God Still An Englishman? How we
lost our faith (but found new soul)Wednesday 12 November 6.30 -
8.30pmFree

And continuing
monthly meetings:

Open Soul SpaceA way to explore and deepen prayer
practice. Although offered in a Christian context, it is open to anyone of any
faith wishing to explore and discover.Mondays: 13 October, 10 November, 8 December6 - 7.30pm per session: £15 (£10 concessions)Booking not essential: just turn
up

"This is what we need! Christine is offering
us a 'moving monastery' yet with solid grounding in Scripture, Nature, Art, the
Tradition, and the Saints! Abbey of the Arts is spirituality for our time and
every time."

"Join us as we explore the archetypes
of your inner monk and inner artist and the gifts they offer to us in tending
the souls of others, bringing depth and new possibility to our
ministry.

The monk within draws us to full presence with the divine in
all that we do, calls us to seek silence and space so we might hear another
voice speak, and welcomes in all that has been rejected. The artist within seeks
to give expression to dreams being birthed, lives on the wild edges, and
connects to the elemental joy which is our birthright. Together we will explore
contemplative and creative practices through teaching, conversation, and
experiential explorations."

Christine writes: "I believe that the spiritual life is right
here and now, in the midst of the quotidian. We are not waiting for some better
opportunity or clear space which will never arrive as we imagine. As a
Benedictine oblate, I commit to live as a monk in the world, bringing presence
to paying my bills, washing dishes, being a partner in marriage, and navigating
the ordinariness of life.

I come most alive in that fertile space where
the inner monk and artist meet and dance together. I created the Abbey out of a
desire to host a space where other monks and artists could find a welcoming
place for deep inner work and an encounter with the great Source of both silence
and creativity.

I am committed to contemplative living, one rooted in
Sabbath rhythms, and consider myself an urban monk and part-time hermit. Most
days you can find me praying lectio divina, writing, receiving photos, preparing
to teach, collaborating with fellow monks and artists, going for a long walk
along the shores of Galway Bay, swimming in the pool or the sea, practicing yin
yoga, dancing, having tea with friends, cooking a meal, or on a date with my
husband.

I believe in the revolutionary power of stillness and
spaciousness, and of practicing presence to life's unfolding. I believe in
radical hospitality to both the inner and outer stranger so that all parts may
know themselves as welcome and part of a wholeness. The monk's path matters in
this world of division, speed, and productivity."

Participants will need to bring their own lunch or obtain it
from one of the local outlets. Tea/coffee will be
provided.

"Christine's vision and
ministry embody Benedictine Spirituality so well. Incarnational, in calling
forth heart with intellect. Creative, in drawing upon all the senses and
inviting us out from comfort zones into new possibilities. Balanced. And
staying-the-course until the gift emerges. I encourage seekers to consider these
resources."

-Laura Swan, OSB,
author of The Forgotten Desert
Mothers and Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach
Us
Today

the Diocese of Rochester

What's on in your area?

The pages below list regular reflective services and groups in the three Archdeaconries of Rochester Diocese. If your church puts on something you think others might like to come to, send me an email with a brief description and details of time and venue. Please check with the person running the group or service first!